Guthrie, McConnell Introduce Bill to Expand Mammoth Cave NP: Land Near Former Park Mammoth Resort

Proposed Land Owned by Nature Conservancy

Proposed MCNP addition, from mostly Edmonson County land.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) introduced the bicameral Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act. According to Rep. Guthrie's Office, this bill would give the park the ability to acquire an additional 551.14 acres of land from the Nature Conservancy. This newly acquired land would enhance protections in the Green River watershed, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage while generating additional tourism to Kentucky’s Second District, Guthrie's Office stated.

The land is located near and around the former Park Mammoth Resort and Lookout Restaurant, which was recently lost in a fire.

“Every year, Mammoth Cave National Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and contributes nearly $90 million to our local economy,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This natural wonder has inspired people for thousands of years, playing a foundational role in the culture of our region. I am proud to introduce the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act to expand protections for the cave system’s important biodiversity and rich history, ensuring that it can be studied, maintained, and enjoyed by future generations of Americans.”

“Kentucky is lucky to be home to an abundance of natural treasures, among them, Mammoth Cave National Park. This extensive cave network has been inspiring Kentuckians and drawing visitors from all corners of the globe for generations. Beyond its role in driving tourism to our Commonwealth, the park also plays a crucial role in the region’s economic growth, supporting good jobs for the people of Kentucky,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Guthrie on this important initiative once again which will expand the critical habitats that the National Park Service protects and preserves in the park.”

You can find the full text of the Mammoth Cave Boundary Adjustment Act here.
 
Guthrie's Office also stated the following:

• This legislation authorizes the National Park Service to acquire 551.14 acres of land currently owned by the Nature Conservancy (TNC). 
• This expansion would allow the National Park to manage land in Edmonson and Barren Counties, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage.  
• The property includes cave passages, including Coach and James Caves, which hold prehistoric and historic artifacts. 
• In 2023, the park received more than 650,000 visitors, generating $89.6 million for communities surrounding the park. This expansion of the park is expected to drive further economic growth in the local community. 
• This legislation is supported by local elected officials in the surrounding counties.
• Established as a National Park in 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, stretching a mapped 426 miles with many miles still undiscovered.
• In 1981, the park was named a World Heritage Site, and in 1990, a Biosphere Reserve.
• In April 2025, Congressman Guthrie welcomed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Mammoth Cave National Park for a tour of the park and a discussion with NPS staff about its importance. You can learn more about their visit here.